Tag: Fusion

Fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. It’s the same reaction that powers the sun and stars. Fusion is aiming to be commercial by the 2030’s.

Open post

First Light Fusion Diagnostics for UKAEA Programme

Fusion Diagnostics: A Leap Forward for the UK’s Clean Energy Future

First Light Fusion has successfully completed a reactor diagnostic feasibility study as part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £55M Fusion Industry Programme. This milestone is more than a technical achievement, it signals the UK’s commitment to advancing fusion energy, a technology that promises limitless, carbon-free power.

The study focused on developing advanced diagnostic systems to monitor and optimise fusion reactions. These tools are critical for scaling fusion from experimental setups to commercial reactors, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Why does this matter for nuclear careers?
Fusion is no longer a distant dream; it’s becoming a career-defining frontier. Engineers, physicists, data scientists, and project managers will all play pivotal roles in transforming these breakthroughs into operational power plants. The UK’s investment in fusion innovation creates opportunities for professionals to shape the future of energy security and sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders and Job Seekers:

  • Diagnostics are the backbone of fusion progress, enabling precise control and performance optimisation.
  • The UK’s £55M programme demonstrates strong governmental and industrial support for fusion technology.
  • Careers in fusion will demand cross-disciplinary expertise, from nuclear engineering to AI-driven analytics.

Fusion is not just about science; it’s about building an ecosystem of talent ready to tackle the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Those who invest in skills today will lead the clean energy revolution tomorrow.

Picture: First Light Fusion

Open post

Tokamak Energy & Fusion Magnet Breakthrough

Tokamak Energy has a world-leading magnet system and this world-first system, based in Oxford, has been producing impressive results.

Warrick Matthews, Tokamak Energy CEO, said: “These results are a major victory for the race to deliver fusion and HTS as a disruptive new commercial technology. Demo4 represents over a decade of HTS innovation at Tokamak Energy. Born from our fusion mission, it validates one of the technical solutions for getting clean, limitless, safe and secure fusion energy on the grid.

“Demo4 is also best in class at showcasing and demonstrating the transformative potential for superconductors, including power distribution for high-demand environments like data centres and applications across science, power systems, propulsion, and beyond.”

Demo4 has allowed Tokamak Energy to obtain valuable engineering insights that will enable fusion power plant designs of the future to prosper.

The aim for Tokamak Energy at this time is to deepen their understanding of how this technology is working and what it needs to do moving forward to ensure fusion energy can become a commercial reality.

For those people who have been in the nuclear sector for decades, and newer entrants, they will be acutely aware that fusion energy has always been 30-years away; however, with this deep technological exploration and testing, perhaps someone will commercialise this energy source before the 2050’s.

Picture: Tokamak Energy

Open post

RWE Nuclear and Focused Energy Fusion at Biblis

RWE Nuclear and Darmstadt-based fusion tech company Focused Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a pioneering pilot project at the Biblis decommissioning site. The initiative will explore the use of Laser Driven Radiation Sources (LDRS)—a cutting-edge imaging technology derived from laser fusion research—for potential applications in nuclear decommissioning.

The project aims to demonstrate how LDRS can enable non-destructive material testing with higher resolution and deeper penetration than conventional methods. RWE will provide infrastructure, including the repurposing of a former emergency feed building, and supply non-radioactive test materials. The collaboration is supported by the Hessian Ministry for the Environment.

This partnership not only advances fusion-related innovation but also reinforces Germany’s role in foundational nuclear research.

Visit; https://www.rwe.com/presse/rwe-nuclear/2024-07-01-rwe-nuclear-und-focused-energy-unterzeichnen-absichtserklrung/

Picture: RWE

Open post

Finland is “the most prepared” for fusion

Nordic Fusion Prospects: VTT Report Highlights Best Locations for Pilot Reactor.

A new report by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, commissioned by Novatron Fusion Group (NFG), identifies the most promising Nordic locations for a pilot fusion reactor. As fusion energy edges closer to commercial viability, the study evaluates Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden for their readiness to host such a facility.

Key Findings:

  • Finland leads in regulatory preparedness, with reforms to its Nuclear Energy Act expected by 2027.
  • Top candidate regions include:
    • Helsinki metropolitan area (Finland)
    • Stockholm–Nyköping corridor (Sweden)
    • Copenhagen–Malmö region (Denmark/Sweden)
  • Ideal sites are near industrial zones with strong transport links and proximity to research hubs.

The report emphasizes the importance of cross-border collaboration, legislative clarity, and strategic planning to accelerate fusion deployment. NFG’s magnetic mirror reactor concept aims to deliver cost-effective, clean energy, with pilot construction targeted for the 2030s.

Energy company St1 has invested €13 million in NFG, reinforcing the region’s commitment to fossil-free energy innovation.

“Fusion breakthroughs are no longer theoretical,” said Finland’s Climate Minister Sari Multala. “The Nordics are ready to lead.”

Read the full report here.

 

Picture from: VTT

Open post

Fusion of Talent: Celebrating the Many Roles of Women

We are thrilled to invite you to a one-day celebration of the diverse contributions of women in computing. The event will highlight the plurality of roles available in across the sector, from academia to industry, placing the spotlight on a variety of career stages. There will be open conversations on the challenges which remain to increase diversity.

The event is open to all! We welcome champions of diversity: allies, minority and underrepresented groups alike. Whether you’re studying, or working in academia, government or industry, your perspective matters.

Additionally, there will be networking opportunities specifically for underrepresented genders in computing (e.g. women, non-binary and genderfluid people).

 

https://ukaeaevents.com/fusion-of-talent-women-in-computing/

Picture credit: UKAEA

Scroll to top